Phnomh Penh - Toul Sleng Museum, Choeung Ek Killing Fields, Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda, spider market, Tonle Sap Lake, Kulen Mountain stay, Siem Rea
Highlights
Phnom Penh - Toul Sleng Museum, Choeung Ek Killing Fields, Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda, spider market, Tonle Sap Lake, Kulen Mountain stay, Siem Reap - Angkor Watt temples, Ta Prohm, street food walk
Itinerary
Once you arrive in Cambodia, one of our staff members will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for the evening. Once you're settled in, we'll brief you on what you can expect over the next few days, before arranging a time to collect you tomorrow.
OVERNIGHT:
Phnom Penh hotel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
After breakfast at your hotel, the day begins with a sobering but essential journey into Cambodia's recent past. We will visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, both grim reminders of the country's bloody history under the Pol Pot regime. While confronting the nature of these events can be distressing, the Buddhist memorial at Choeung Ek stands as a powerful testament, commemorating the 1.7 million victims of the 1975-79 period. This experience is a crucial part of understanding Cambodia's historical and cultural identity.
In the afternoon, we continue with a visit to the National Museum, also known as the Musee des Beaux-Arts. Designed by French archaeologist Georges Groslier in 1917, the building itself is a beautiful example of Khmer architecture. Inside, you'll discover a remarkable collection of Khmer art and sculptures from various eras.
The day concludes with a tour of the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866, and the magnificent Silver Pagoda. Situated within the palace grounds, the Silver Pagoda gets its name from its floor, which is composed of 5,000 silver tiles. The pagoda's incredible treasures include a 90kg solid gold Buddha statue encrusted with thousands of diamonds and a smaller 17th-century Buddha made of emerald and Baccarat crystal.
In the evening, you'll have the chance to explore the city at your own pace. A popular option is to visit one of Phnom Penh's vibrant night markets, where you can browse stalls selling local crafts and clothing, and enjoy a wide variety of delicious street food. You will spend the night in Phnom Penh.
OVERNIGHT:
Phnom Penh hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
After breakfast at your hotel, we will begin our journey north to Siem Reap by private car with your tour guide. This scenic drive will offer a glimpse of rural Cambodian life. Our first stop will be in the Skun district, often referred to as the "spider market," where you'll have the chance to see and, if you're feeling brave, even try local fried tarantula. Continuing on, we'll visit a stone carving workshop in the Santuk district, where you can see artisans at work on beautiful Khmer sculptures. We'll also make a brief stop at the ancient Naga Bridge, a historic stone crossing with intricate carvings of the mythical serpent.
Our journey will then take us to Kampong Khleang, one of the largest and least-visited floating villages on the edge of Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Here, you will board a boat for an immersive trip, passing through a stunning submerged forest and floating houses that rise on stilts over the water. You will see firsthand how local communities have adapted to the lake's dramatic seasonal changes. The village is a fascinating and authentic insight into a unique way of life, with floating schools, markets, and fishing farms.
Finally, we will head to your countryside resort located at the foot of the sacred Kulen Mountain. This mountain is considered one of the most significant sites in Cambodia, as it is where King Jayavarman II proclaimed himself a "god-king" and established the Khmer Empire in the 9th century. The mountain is also home to a magnificent reclining Buddha and numerous ancient carvings. In the evening, you'll have the chance to enjoy a unique campfire dinner at the resort. Please note that this dinner is an optional extra and requires a minimum of four participants. You will spend the night at Thisak Resort.
OVERNIGHT:
Thisak Resort
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
After breakfast, we'll drive up to the holy Kulen Mountains, known locally as Phnom Kulen. The sandstone from this mountain was the primary source of building materials for the vast temples of the Angkor Kingdom. Our first stop is the sacred site of The River of a Thousand Lingas, a unique archaeological site where hundreds of phallic carvings are etched into the sandstone riverbed, dating back to the 9th century. Further downstream, you'll also see large stone blocks carved with figures of Apsara dancers and Vishnu.
Next, we'll explore the mountain-top pagoda, home to ancient relics, statues, and a large reclining Buddha. Our final stop on the mountain is Kulen Waterfall, where you can cool off in the natural pool. It's also a perfect picnic spot, which is exactly what we'll do before heading back down.
In the afternoon, we'll travel to the community of Tbeng, about 32km from Siem Reap. Here, you'll get a firsthand look at rural life, starting with a visit to a local vegetable garden and livestock area to learn about traditional agricultural practices. We'll also visit Damnak Thlork Vea Pagoda, where you will receive a blessing from a Buddhist monk. You'll also get to observe the traditional process of making mats and, on occasion, Khmer noodles, which you can then sample.
Before returning to the city centre, we'll visit a local's favourite night market, known as Plov Hockseb, or "Street 60." This is a vibrant, authentic market where you can discover a huge variety of Khmer street foods, fresh fruits, local beers, and if you're feeling adventurous, some protein-rich fried insects. We'll then return to Siem Reap for the night.
OVERNIGHT:
Siem Reap hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
After breakfast at your hotel, we will begin a full-day tour of the magnificent temples of the Angkor area, a truly unforgettable experience. Our first stop is the ancient city of Angkor Thom, entering through its impressive South Gate, which is famous for the colossal stone faces that greet you. Inside the city, we'll explore the mesmerising Bayon Temple, with its 216 enigmatic smiling faces, as well as the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King.
Next, we'll visit the most famous of all the temples, Angkor Wat. This architectural masterpiece, constructed in the 12th century, is the largest and most complete temple on the site, covering an area of about 210 hectares. You'll have plenty of time to explore its incredible bas-reliefs and intricate carvings, learning about its history as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu.
The tour concludes with a visit to the atmospheric Ta Prohm. This temple is an incredible sight, as it has been left largely in its natural state, with enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers embracing the stone foundations. The intertwining of man-made and natural elements gives the impression of a lost world being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature.
For dinner this evening, we will enjoy a delicious meal at Spoons Restaurant. This isn't just a place to eat; it's a social enterprise that supports underprivileged Cambodian youth by providing them with valuable hospitality training. By dining here, you're not only enjoying fantastic food but also directly contributing to a positive social mission.
OVERNIGHT:
Siem Reap hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
We hope that you had an amazing time in Cambodia! We'll transfer you to the airport to board your flight home. If you have a late afternoon or evening flight, or would like to add some extra nights in Siem Reap, then a range of additional half day tours are available, including a cooking class, cycling tour of some temples you've not visited yet, and a visit to the floating houses on Tonle Sap lake.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
included with
5-nights accommodation in 4-star hotels
All transport and transfers in private AC car/minibus
24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
Services of a local tour guide during sightseeing and activities
Admission fees, with instruction where necessary
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Phnom Penh historical tour
Spider Market and 'Street 60' Market visits
Tonle Sap Kampong Khleang Community Visit
Kulen Mountain resort stay
Tbeng Community Experience
Angkor region Temples tour
excluded by
International Flights (available on request)
Visas fees
Travel Insurance (compulsory, available on request)
Single room supplements
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
Optional tours
Tips for tour guides and drivers
Any other items not mentioned above
Extras /
Upgrades
Single room supplement (required for single travellers if a same-sex room share is not available)
Detailed Description
Explore the cultural and historical heart of Cambodia on this six-day adventure. Your journey begins in the capital, Phnom Penh, with a private transfer from the airport to your hotel. You'll spend your first full day immersing yourself in the country's recent history with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields. This sobering yet essential experience is balanced by an afternoon tour of the magnificent Royal Palace and the National Museum. In the evening, you'll have the opportunity to delve into local life at a bustling night market.
The tour continues with a scenic overland journey to Siem Reap. Along the way, you’ll be immersed in the vibrant life of the Cambodian countryside, stopping at the unusual "spider market" and witnessing local stone carving. A highlight of the trip is a boat tour of Tonle Sap Lake's floating village, a fascinating glimpse into a community that lives in harmony with the water. You'll then retreat to a resort at the foot of the sacred Kulen Mountain, a significant historical and religious site, where you can unwind in the serene, natural surroundings.
The final days are dedicated to the wonders of the Angkor region. You'll spend a full day exploring the most iconic temples, including the impressive Angkor Thom, the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, and the atmospheric, jungle-clad Ta Prohm. The tour is more than just sightseeing; it's an opportunity to connect with the local culture, from visiting traditional villages to enjoying a memorable dinner at Spoons Restaurant, a social enterprise supporting local youth. With all your transfers and key excursions included, you can focus on enjoying the rich history and warm hospitality of Cambodia.
Throughout your journey, you'll be staying in comfortable 4-star hotels that provide a perfect base for relaxation and exploration. Our carefully selected accommodations ensure a restful experience after a day of sightseeing. Your stay in the Kulen Mountain region will be at a unique countryside resort, offering a serene and immersive experience. With all your transfers and key excursions included, you can focus on enjoying the rich history and warm hospitality of Cambodia
